Systems and Methods for Generating a Realistic Flame Effect

• US 20160258586A1
• Filed: 02/25/2016
• Published: 09/08/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: L&L Candle Company, LLC
• Original Assignee: Luminara Worldwide LLC
• Inventors: Patton, Douglas
• Granted Patent: US 10,655,806 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 10/04 simulating flames
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 10/046 by movement of parts, e.g. by movement of reflectors or light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2121/00 Use or application of lighting devices or systems for decorative purposes, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2121/002 Candle holders for birthday or anniversary cakes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/81 Imitation candle

Abstract

Various embodiments of flame elements and candle housings are disclosed for use in an electric lighting device or candle to help produce a realistic flickering flame effect. The flame element and/or housing can be configured to eliminate noise that occurs when the flame element contacts a wall of the housing.

Claims

1. An electric lighting device, comprising:

a housing having an outer wall having an aperture along part of its length;

a flame element that is coupled to the housing, such that the flame element can move with respect to the housing; and

a light source disposed within the housing, and configured to emit light onto the flame element.

2. The electric lighting device of claim 1, wherein the aperture is disposed on the housing such that at least a portion of the lower surface of the flame element is periodically disposed in the aperture as the flame element moves with respect to the housing.

3. The electric lighting device of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a foam or elastomeric material disposed within the aperture.

4. The electric lighting device of claim 3, wherein the aperture is disposed on the housing such that at least a portion of the lower surface of the flame element periodically contacts the foam or elastomeric material as the flame element moves with respect to the housing.

5. The electric lighting device of claim 1, wherein the flame element comprises an upper and lower portion, and wherein the lower portion has a cylindrical horizontal cross-section.

6. The electric lighting device of claim 1, wherein the flame element comprises an upper and lower portion, and wherein the lower portion has a conical vertical cross-section.

7. The electric lighting device of claim 1, wherein the flame element comprises an upper and lower portion, and wherein the lower portion has a tear-drop shape.

8. The electric lighting device of claim 1, wherein the flame element comprises an upper and lower portion, and wherein the lower portion has a triangular horizontal cross-section.

9. The electric lighting device of claim 1, wherein the flame element comprises an upper and lower portion, and wherein the lower portion has an x-shape horizontal cross-section.

10. The electric lighting device of claim 1, wherein the flame element comprises an upper and lower portion, and wherein a lower portion of the lower surface has a tapered outer surface, such that a bottom of the lower surface has a diameter that is less than a top of the lower surface.

11. The electric lighting device of claim 1, wherein the flame element comprises an upper and lower portion, and wherein a lower portion of the lower surface has a tapered outer surface, such that a bottom of the lower surface has a diameter that is less than a maximum diameter of the lower surface.

12. The electric lighting device of claim 1, further comprising an o-ring disposed about a lower portion of the flame element.

13. The electric lighting device of claim 1, further comprising a magnet disposed at a bottom of the flame element.

14. The electric lighting device of claim 13, wherein a width of the magnet is less than a minimum width or diameter of the flame element.

15. The electric lighting device of claim 13, wherein a diameter of the magnet is less than a width of the flame element across the aperture.

16. The electric lighting device of claim 13, wherein the magnet has a length that is greater than a width of the magnet, and wherein the magnet is disposed such that a length of the magnet extends along a vertical axis of the flame element.

17. The electric lighting device of claim 1, wherein a lower surface of the flame element comprises a tapered outer wall, and wherein an angle of the taper outer wall with respect to a non-tapered portion of the lower surface is equal to a maximum degree of movement of the flame element with respect to an at rest position of the flame element.

18. The electric lighting device of claim 1, wherein a lower surface of the flame element comprises a tapered outer wall, and the tapered outer wall is parallel to a sidewall of the housing when the flame element is at a maximum angle of movement with respect to an at rest position of the flame element.